Final answer:
It is typically true that an automatic transmission vehicle must be in Park or Neutral to start. This is due to a safety feature that prevents the car from starting in gear to avoid accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Generally, it is true that on a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the transmission must be in the (P) Park position or (N) Neutral for the vehicle to start. This is a safety feature known as a neutral safety switch which prevents the engine from being started in gear, potentially causing unintended vehicle movement that could lead to accidents.
In some vehicles, starting is also allowed in the Neutral position, so it is not exclusively the Park position that enables the starting of the engine. The specific conditions under which a vehicle can start depend on the design of its transmission and the safety features installed by the manufacturer.